A clamping device for securing and accurately positioning an item relative to a predetermined surface includes a laterally-extending fixed jaw and a laterally-extending movable jaw. A locating surface is fixed relative to the fixed jaw and extends transversely at a laterally rearward or inward position relative to the fixed and movable jaw surfaces, with the locating surface being engageable by the item to be clamped when the item is inserted between the jaw surfaces. A resilient biasing apparatus is included for resiliently biasing the movable jaw in a generally forward or outward lateral direction, and a clamping apparatus is positioned laterally inward or rearward of the locating surface. The clamping apparatus is selectively actuable for forcibly urging the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw in order to clamp the item therebetween, and for exerting a clamping force on the movable jaw at a lateral position rearward or inward of the locating surface. This arrangement forcibly urges the movable jaw and the item laterally rearwardly as the item is forcibly clamped between the jaws.